New Jersey

Well I made it. The Embassy granted me my Visa and, although I have to go back to Britain in February to effectively change my status from waived to F1, I am here.

I've been in NJ for a month on Sunday. Basically, I've just been taking my time, getting familiar with the area, involved with a couple of local things going on, and relaxing. Luckily for me, my stepmother gave me Civilization 4 for Christmas, so I've been busy with that. Also, effective Tuesday, I join the local pool league.

Life is...completely different to how it was a month ago. Not in a bad way, not at all. I've had a lot more time to reflect, which - for someone with my mental history - is not always a good thing. I hit a downward spiral a couple of weeks ago. My girl understood, fortunately, that it was not about her at all. It's the change of pace. It's the fact that I've been working non-stop for years, and - just like that - have jacked it all in, and moved to the other side of the world. It's fantastic, waking up in her arms each morning, but it's tough too. I'm not homesick - the US has always felt like home to me - it's just the lack of things to do with my time, seeing as we only have one car in the family here, and she needs it for work.

But it's all good. In two months, I start school. So, I'm trying to just use this time for what it is - nice and relaxing, and completely lacking in pressure. I'm just...not so good at functioning under these conditions!